Doorknob



April 7, 1931. w. R. SCHLAGE DOORKNOB Filed Dec. 6, 1929 INVENTOR. MawBY Patented Apr. 7, 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE WALTER B. SCHILAGE,OF SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, ASSIGNOR TO SCHLAGE LOCK COMPANY, OF SANFRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, A CORPORATION OF CALIFORNIA DOORKNOB Applicationfiled December 6, 1929. Serial No. 412,220.

This invention relates to door knobs and especially to improvements inthe structure which permits ready change in the design or ornamentalappearance of the knob.

Door knobs come under the general heading of lock hardware. Hardware ofthis character is subject to constant changes in design, each change indesign,.usually requiring entirely new knobs, escutcheon plates etc. 1twould, accordingly, be exceedingly advantageous if the general design orappearance of hardware of this character could be readily changedwithout making or manufacturing entire new parts.

The structure shown in this application ertains especially to doorknobs, the object being to provide a knob having an annular seat ordepression in its outer surface for the reception of an ornamental platewhereby the design or appearance of the knob may be changed; and furtherin providing means whereby the plate may be secured in the recess andagainst removal.

The invention is shown by way of illustration in the accompanyingdrawings, in which Fig. 1 is a front view showing the outer surface ofthe knob,

Fig. 2 is a central vertical longitudinal section of the knob and thespindle upon which it is supported, said View also showing one method ofsecuring an ornamental plate with relation to the spindle,

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an ornamental plate showing the innersurface thereof and the spring prongs whereby the plate is secured tothe spindle,

Fig. 4 is a View, similar to Fig. 2, showing another form of platesecuring means. I

Referring to the drawings in detail, particularly Figs. 1, 2 and 3, Aindicates a knob; 2 a hollow or tubular spindle; 3 an ornamental plate,which functions as a closure for the outer end of the spindle and alsoas an ornamentation for the knob proper. The knob is provided with anannular recess or depression 4 in its outer face to receive and protectthe ornamental plate, and it is also provided with a central passage 5through which the spindle extends, the knob being secured. on thespindle by a flange 6 on the outer end of the spindle engaging lugs 7 inthe knob and by a friction nut 8 which engages a recess formed in theinner face of the knob. The outer end of the spindle is also providedwith an annular flange such as indicated at 9 and this forms one of themeans of securing the ornamental plate.

In the present instance the inner face of the plate is provided With apair of spring legs or prongs such as shown at 10. WVhen the plate 3 isforced into the recess 4 the legs 10 are passed within the flange 9 andby engaging the flange frictionally secures the plate against removal.This method permits the plate to be removed if other ornamental platesor elfects are desired. If a more or less permanent connection isdesired the prongs may be bent, as shown at 11 in Fig. 4. By bending theprongs in this manner hookshapcd members are formed which engage theflange 9, thereby positively securing the plate against removal wheninserted. A variety of ornamental plates, such as shown at 3 in Figs. 1and 2, may be employed. They may be constructed of metal, or otherwise,and may be ornamented in any suitable manner. Furthermore, it is obviousthat the ornamental surface may be colored in such a manner as to matchthe trim, or woodwork, of a room and an exceedingly pleasant andartistic effect may accordingly be obtained.

It should also be noted that the ornamental plate lies within the outerface 12 of the recess. This is important as the ornamental plate isprotected against being struck or accidentally marred or injured bybeing depressed or placed below the surface 12.

While the ornamental platehas been shown in connection with a glassknob, it is obvious that the knob may be constructed of porcelain,metal, or any other suitable material.

While certain features of the present invention are more or lessspecifically described, I wish it understood that various changes may beresorted to within the scope of the appended claims. Similarly, that themate rials and finishes of the several parts employed may be such as themanufacturer may decide, or varying conditions or uses may demand.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure byLetters Patent is 1. In a structure of the character described a knobhaving an annular recess formed in its outer face and a central openingcommunicating therewith and extending through the knob, a hollow spindleextending from the recess through the knob, means securing the knob onthe spindle, a plate seated in the recess and forming a closure for theouter end of the hollow spindle, prongs secured on the plate, and meanswithin the spindle with which the prongs are engageable to secure theplate against removal.

2. In a structure of the character described a knob having an annularrecess formed in its outer face and a central openim communicatingtherewith and extending tlirough the knob, a hollow spindle extendingfrom the recess through the knob, means securing the knob on thespindle, a plate seated in the recess and forming a closure for theouter end of the hollow spindle, hook-shaped prongs secured to theplate, and means within the spindle with which the hook-shaped prongsare engageable to secure the plate against removal.

WALTER R. SCHLAGE.

